Analysis
What Ourlads' Scouting Services said about TJ HOCKENSON before he made the Detroit Lions' Depth Chart: Iowa, 6046 251 4.73. Third year sophomore entry and two year starter from Chariton, IA. A steady piece of the two-tight end rotation the Iowa offense employed throughout his career. Broke out in a big way in 2018, winning the Mackey Award despite sharing snaps and looks with fellow Hawkeye tight end prospect Noah Fant. Was also the recipient of the Kwalick-Clark Tight End of the Year in the Big 10, first-team All-America and All Big 10. Hockenson is a throwback, hard-nosed player that has unusual short-area quickness and reliable ball skills for a player his size. Still has a ways to go when it comes to physical development and blocking presence, but the body type and mindset are both there. In time, he can be a solid every down player and starter with the ceiling of being a match-up nightmare. Long and wiry frame with the room to grow and add girth. Twitchy athlete that can easily stop, go, and burst without hesitation or wasted motion. Quick to get his head around, hands up, and attack the ball. Very balanced and coordinated athlete who seems to always have body control and space awareness. A weapon in traffic. Can outrun and out leap most linebackers and the majority of safeties in addition to being bigger and longer than them. Smart, savvy route runner. Can find windows and times his breaks well. High effort blocker and a weapon at the second level. Has the quickness and agility to hang with speed. Lacks a power push and presence against inline defenders as a blocker. Gets his hands on but won’t deliver a jolt to ends and tackles. Needs more mass and man-strength. Must be more aware of where the quarterback is on broken plays. Needs to come back to the football and make himself bigger. 2018 stats: 49-760, 15.5 ypr, 6 TD. OSR:5/23. First/second round. (A-32 1/4, H-9 1/2, VJ-37.5, SS-4.18).